Safety Manager Tip of the Month: Summer Driving

As the weather heats up, truck drivers won’t have to deal with icy roads or devastating blizzards. However, summer presents its own challenges, especially to drivers who don’t pay careful attention to their surroundings. Brushing up on these summer driving tips can help you avoid disaster.

Check Your Truck’s Condition Frequently

Always perform your mandated pre-trip inspections, along with en-route inspections. Extreme heat can cause greater concerns with tires, brakes and engine overheating. Keeping tires inflated at the correct level will lower your risk of a blowout. Hot temperatures can lead to brake fade and loss of friction when brake components fail to absorb heat. Soaring temperatures can cause your engine to overheat more easily. You may need to slow down when climbing hills to prevent your engine from overheating.

Take Care of Yourself

Hydrate at all times. Air conditioning is not enough. Drink plenty of water regularly throughout the day. Know the signs and symptoms of heat stroke, including headaches, muscle cramps and dizziness. Invest in a good pair of sunglasses to protect you from the sun’s UV rays. They will prevent damage to your eyes while cutting down on glare and minimizing sunlight reflecting off the roadways, especially in the early morning or late evening. Sunscreen can help you avoid sunburn caused by the sun’s rays shining through your windows.

Prepare for Congestion and Traffic Hazards

Many families choose the summer months to take road trips and vacations, which can lead to congestion on the roadways. Anticipate additional travel time and be prepared for the unexpected. Pay extra attention to passenger vehicles with out-of-state license plates, as they may be driving in unfamiliar territory. Summer months are also prime time for road work and construction projects. Some complex projects may force you to detour onto unfamiliar roads. Pre-planning your route may save time by helping you avoid areas of potential delays and restrictions.

Watch the Weather

Summer weather can be unpredictable. Lightning, thunderstorms, floods and tornadoes are extreme events that can occur without warning. Check the weather forecast for your route and heed any warnings from local traffic authorities.

Most importantly, remember to stay safe and have a wonderful summer!